Leadership Niagara

One Year that will Change your Life.

LEADERSHIP NIAGARA ANNOUNCES 2017 LEADER OF THE YEAR HONOREES

Wednesday, February
21, 2017

Niagara Falls, New York – Leadership
Niagara’s 27th annual awards luncheon will bring regional leaders together at
the Niagara Falls Conference & Event Center on Wednesday, April 19th
to honor five individuals and organizations who exemplify the organization’s
mission and core values:

“We are truly fortunate
to have so many outstanding leaders and organizations that are willing to
invest their time, talent and treasure to serve their community, said Liz
Zulawski, President & CEO of Leadership Niagara. Leadership Niagara is privileged to honor
these great community leaders for the hard work and valuable contributions they
have made to make the Niagara Region a world-class community to live, work,
raise a family, and grow a business,”

Leadership Niagara Names Liz Zulawski as President & CEO

November 14, 2016

Leadership Niagara is
announcing today the appointment of Elizabeth L. Zulawski as Leadership
Niagara's new President & Chief Executive Officer. She will be responsible
for the strategic leadership of the organization to achieve its mission, vision
and core values. Additionally, she will direct all operational aspects of the
organization.

“Leadership Niagara is
excited to welcome Liz as President & CEO,” said Board Chair Maureen Wendt.
“Liz has an impressive skill set to position our organization for continued
growth and success, as well as shepherd our graduate-level programming.”

Zulawski has a proven
track record of leadership at many local non-profit organizations, including Mount
Mercy Academy, American Heart Association, Buffalo Public Schools Foundation
and Goodwill Industries of Western New York. She has successfully spearheaded
multiple strategic and fundraising plans during her more than two decades of
experience.

Tasha Villani has been
promoted to the position of Vice President for Leadership Niagara. She had been
serving as interim President & Chief Executive Officer.

“On behalf of our entire
organization, from the board to current class members, I commend Tasha for her
hard work and dedication to continuing our mission during these past months.
She is a valuable member of our team, and we are so grateful for her efforts,”
said Wendt.

Organizations Recruiting and Developing Local Leaders

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — Change and progress is something many Western New York residents are talking about and seeing take place in the region. As it happens, people are stepping up, wanting to be a part of leading the region forward.

That’s why Leadership Niagara and Leadership Buffalo are around; to help find people interested in sustaining the resurgence.

“We feel it’s important to put all of our resources into the people who will carry it to the next generation,” said Anderson. “[We’re] making sure they have the tools, skills and know-how to make sure the transformation continues in a positive way.”

The two organizations recruit people from the region from every walk of life. They meet once a month and work on personal and professional development skills. The organizations say they’re looking for people who want to better themselves and their communities.

“This community belongs to all of us and everyone is a leader,” said Althea Luehresen, the CEO of Leadership Buffalo. “We feel we’re the mechanism that can open people’s minds and build that civic engagement and collaboration to get people working together.”

Luehresen is also an alumna for Leadership Buffalo. She went through the program eight years and go and says it changed her.

“The best leaders give more than they take,” said Luehresen talking about her leadership theory and what she’s learned through her involvement. “I think I’ve learned that in my leadership Buffalo experience.”

“When you have leaders at the helm of organizations that understand the art and science of leadership development you can really see the difference it makes,” said Anderson.

Both organizations have deep alumni connections including top developers, city mayors and law enforcement officials.

The women leading these organizations say they feel having diverse classes which represent the region allows them to reach every corner of the communities they serve.

“We make sure we can let everyone have a chance and a voice at the table,” said Luehresen.

“It’s going to be essential in the new Western New York to have those types of understandings and experiences,” said Anderson.”

Both organizations are currently accepting application for their new classes which are set to start in January. Click here to learn more about Leadership Niagara and you can follow this link for more information on Leadership Buffalo.

Leadership, success is a gritty pursuit for Vanessa Williams

Tim O' Shei, The Buffalo News

April 30, 2016

NIAGARA FALLS — When Vanessa Williams arrived here straight off a plane from New York City, she was suited for success, down to her crisp white jacket and knee-length black skirt — both items from her new V. by Vanessa clothing line.

Success is the reason Williams was booked as the speaker for Leadership Niagara’s April 27 awards luncheon. (That and her ties to Western New York: Williams’ mother grew up in Buffalo and her husband Jim Skrip is from Depew.) She's an entertainer at the highest levels – Broadway, big box-office films and network television – and with the creation of her fashion label, she's an entrepreneur now too.

She's graceful, and deservedly adored. At the sold-out luncheon in the Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls, organizers deferentially addressed her as "Miss Williams." But her path to success has been gritty. Like that V.-designed outfit she wore, there are shades of dark and light. It's Williams' yin-yang story, one with truths that are shared by so many, which is why she's willing – eager, even — to talk about it.

"I want to be candid," Williams said. "I want to be honest, and I want people to know what happened to me and what makes me who I am."

At the request of Williams, whose July wedding I wrote about for The News, I hosted a half-hour, onstage conversation with her after the awards program. Our interview, tied to the leadership focus of the luncheon, was wide-ranging. We talked about growing up as the child of two teachers (playing an instrument was a requirement), the impact of fame in moments of both success and scandal (“You don’t always know when you’re leading; you don’t know when people are watching you,” Williams said) and lessons she’s gleaned from performing for – and with – the powerful.

That includes several presidents, and a certain co-star who went on to become the governor of California.

“He’s a massive guy,” Williams of Arnold Schwarzenegger, her co-star in the 1996 film “Eraser.” “Not only his stature, but his presence. When you are in his presence, you are ready to work. If you do something he compliments, he makes sure that everyone knows. He says ‘Very niiice!’” – imagine here Williams, with her smooth anchor-like voice, imitating a thick Austrian accent – “and you feel your chest broaden and you feel like you’ve conquered the world because he makes you feel important.”

Fair point. But Williams, to her credit, didn’t ignore the Arnold-size elephant in the ballroom. Five years ago, Schwarzenegger’s marriage to the journalist Maria Shriver publicly unraveled as his affair with a housekeeper was revealed to the world. Williams, who sang at Schwarzenegger’s 2003 inauguration, didn’t specifically cite the former governor’s marital issues. Instead, she said, “He obviously has gone through many ups and downs in his life recently, and I know Maria very well, but again—”

Williams interrupted herself. She leaned forward in her butterscotch leather chair and pointed to a table in front of the stage. John Percy, the CEO of the Niagara Tourism & Convention Corp., was sitting there. Minutes before Williams took the stage, Percy had been honored as Leadership Niagara's Leader of the Year. In his remarks at the podium, he talked about his approach to handling mistakes: ‘fessing up when you mess up. As Percy spoke, Williams was sitting next to me at a front-row table, Caesar salad untouched, listening intently.

Now, when it was her turn on the stage, she repeated Percy's words.

“When you mess up, fess up?” she said to Percy, repeating his words. Percy nodded.

“I think that after everything (that) has happened recently, that’s what (Schwarzenegger) did,” Williams said. “When you admire somebody for their integrity and honesty despite what happens, you do have to give them some respect.”

The recurring lesson in Williams’ remarks: To unlock success, you have to handle setbacks with acute patience and steeliness. “When it gets so foggy and so distorted, once the time comes back to the calm, you’ll get back to who you really are,” Williams said. “And that never really changes.”

In 1983, at age 20, Williams became in the first black woman to be crowned Miss America. But when Penthouse published nude photos shot before she competed (images that Williams never consented to release), she was stripped of her crown.

“I became a scandalized beauty queen, and that negated everything, just wiped out any kind of credibility,” said Williams, who till then had been known as a star drama student in high school and at Syracuse University.

Shortly after the Miss America scandal, Williams was invited by the director Mike Nichols to try out for the Broadway show “My One and Only.” She nailed the audition, which was to replace Twiggy opposite Tommy Tune. But Lee Gershwin, whose famous husband Ira died the year prior, called Nichols and said, “Over my dead body will that whore be in my show.”

“That’s when I knew I had a long road ahead,” said Williams, who spent the next 10 years systematically building her resume and rebuilding her credibility. She did television. She did movies. She started a recording career that included the hit “Save the Best for Last.” Each job was another tug at unsticking that label of "scandalized beauty queen."

“Each project was just ticking away at the time that I would be able to be seen as me,” said Williams, who ultimately reconnected with Miss America, too, when the organization officially apologized and welcomed her back last year as a judge.

For a business audience like the one before us in Niagara Falls, the Miss America fallout resonated broadly: A crowning achievement torn by a P.R. crisis followed by a painstaking rebranding process.

“I never gave up knowing that I would eventually get a chance to – once the dust settled – show people what I can really do," Williams said.

It wasn't the only time she talked about dust settling.

Williams, a mother of four, had her personal life scrutinized by the media in very public divorces with entertainment manager Ramon Hervey and NBA player Rick Fox. She acknowledged those in Niagara Falls and wrote about them in her 2013 book, "You Have No Idea," co-authored with her mother, Helen Tinch Williams. In the book, she revealed a truth that, despite her long career and considerable fame, had gone previously unknown to the public: At age 10, while on vacation, Williams was molested by an 18-year-old woman.

Williams is unflinchingly candid. I asked her why.

"No matter what happens in your life, it doesn’t change who you are," she said. "Every time I talk to young women, or people that are going through struggles, I knew in my mind that once the dust settles, they’ll see me. That is true for any instance that you go through, any relationship issue.

"When it gets so foggy and so distorted, once the time comes back to the calm, you’ll get back to who you really are. And that never really changes."

Leadership Niagara holds annual awards event

Leadership Niagara recognized five honorees during its annual awards luncheon held Wednesday at the Conference and Event Center Niagara Falls. This was the organization’s first completely sold-out event.

President and CEO Molly Anderson said the organization has grown by 200 percent over the past two years. The 2016 class is the largest the organization has ever had, and over half of the class is from outside of Niagara County. This event was co-chaired by Christopher Marra and Susan Swiatkowski.

The honorees were each introduced with a short video, featuring a few peers speaking to the honorees’ accomplishments and leadership qualities. Darius Myles received the Emerging Leader Award for his work in local construction. He reported that about 90 percent of the construction workers whom he employs in local construction jobs live in Niagara Falls or the town of Niagara.

Gay Molnar received the Distinguished Alumna Award for her work in the community, particularly through her former role as executive director of the Aquarium of Niagara. She said she has seen Leadership Niagara grow over the years, with a particular turning point after she joined in 1997.

“Everyone takes away something different,” she said. “I always say, you never leave (Leadership Niagara) the same as you arrived.”

Annemarie Bettino was given the Lifetime Commitment Award. She was among the first members of Leadership Niagara in 1985 and has remained active since then. She was recognized for her work with Youth Mentoring Services, formerly known as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara County, serving as executive director for over a quarter century. Her dedication to service has been instrumental throughout her career and her leadership roles have been both “nature and nurture,” she said.

“You have to take time to smell the roses, but you also have to get up and move,” Bettino said, urging leaders to take action. “Sometimes you have to be the leader in your own life.”

The Riviera Theatre was recognized as Organization of the Year. Co-Directors Jim Pritchard and Gary Rouleau were present to accept the award and reported on the recent growth for the theatre. Where there were once only a handful, now the theatre hosts over 175 events per year and has a loyal band of about 175 volunteers. Its caretakers are working on a $6.1 million capital campaign to expand and further develop the site.

Finally, John Percy was awarded Leader of the Year for his work as president and CEO of the Niagara Tourism & Convention Corp. He spoke on honesty and integrity, saying they were the two pillars for leadership.

“Leaders are only as good as the people they surround themselves with,” he said in terms of both professional and personal life. “True leaders stand tall no matter the obstacles.”

The keynote speaker for the event was actress Vanessa Williams, through a conversation moderated by Buffalo News Features Editor Tim O’Shei. Judge Glenda Hatchett was originally slated to give the keynote address, but could not attend for personal reasons. The Leadership Niagara team was able to connect with Williams and secure her for the event within 24 hours.

Vanessa Williams to Appear at Leadership Niagara’s Sold Out Leader of the Year Event on Wednesday

Niagara Falls, New York (April
25, 2016) – Leadership Niagara, the longest-running community leadership
development organization in New York State, announced today that renowned
actress, recording artist and humanitarian Vanessa Williams will appear at the
sold-out 26th annual Leader of the Year Awards Luncheon on Wednesday,
April 27th at the Conference & Event Center of Niagara Falls.

The announcement comes after national
best-selling author and award-winning courtroom television star, Judge Glenda
Hatchett, stepped down from her role of keynote speaker due to a personal
matter.

“We would like to thank Judge
Glenda Hatchett and hope that we can hear from her in the future,” stated Molly
Anderson, president & CEO of Leadership Niagara. “She is a dynamic speaker with an important
message for leaders.”

As the guest of honor, Vanessa
William will participate in an inspirational and intimate conversation
moderated by Tim O'Shei, features reporter at The Buffalo News.

“We are honored that
Miss Williams considers Western New York so highly and has agreed to step in
with such short notice,” stated Anderson. “Her life story is an inspiration and
she brings an extraordinary message of perseverance and positivity. We are
thrilled to have her share her afternoon with us in Niagara Falls.”

Five individuals and
organizations will be honored at the awards luncheon. They represent Leadership
Niagara’s brand of transformational leadership and exhibit the organization’s
core values of visionary leadership, excellence, regional partnerships,
societal responsibility, diversity and inclusion, and lifelong learning.

John H. Percy,
president and chief executive officer

Niagara Tourism and
Convention Corporation

Leader of the Year

The Riviera Theatre

Organization of the Year

Annemarie C. Bettino, MS, LN ’85, president

Youth Mentoring Services

Lifetime Commitment Award

Gay Molnar, LN ’97, retired executive director

Aquarium of Niagara

Distinguished Alumna Award

Darius Myles, LN ’15, president and chief executive officer

DMYLES Inc.

Emerging Leader Award

The
Leader of the Year awards luncheon will be chaired by two Leadership Niagara
Class of 2015 alumni: Chris Marra, vice president and senior branch manager at
M&T Bank, and Susan Swiatkowski, director of marketing at The Conference
& Event Center Niagara Falls.

Sponsors
of this year’s Leader of the Year Awards Luncheon include KeyBank, M&T
Bank, Seneca Gaming Corporation and the Niagara County Law Enforcement
Foundation, Inc.

About
Leadership Niagara

Leadership Niagara is the
longest-running community leadership development organization in New York State. Since 1984, more than 1,600 participants have
graduated from the program. Visit
www.leadershipniagara.org for more information.

###

Leadership Niagara Heads to Canada

St. Catharines, ONT (March 4 ,
2016) – Leadership Niagara will head to St. Catharines, Ontario on Friday,
March 4th for its sixth annual joint session on binational relations
with Leadership Niagara of Ontario. The all-day session will be held at the new
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre beginning at 8:00 am.

The joint-session is designed to foster
a greater understanding of cross border issues and broaden bi-national
collaborations between 90 leaders from both countries.

Speakers will include representatives
from both Leadership Niagara New York and Leadership Niagara Ontario along with
Mayor Walter Sendzik of St. Catharines, Ontario and James Lefebvre, associate
vice president of FirstOntario Credit Union. The class will be engaged in cross
border discussions and the topic of healthy tension led by facilitators, Mike
Cardus and Tim Arnold.

“Binational relations is a high
priority for us,” stated Molly Anderson, president and chief executive officer
of Leadership Niagara. “We aim to improve collaboration and leadership development
from Buffalo to Toronto.”

Leadership Niagara’s class
members represents various industries – from business and government to law and
philanthropy – and take part in a twelve-month leadership development program taught by
industry experts.

About
Leadership Niagara

Leadership Niagara is the
longest-running community leadership development organization in New York State. Since 1984, more than 1,600 participants have
graduated from the program. Visit
www.leadershipniagara.org for more information.

Leadership Niagara Hosts Graduation Event at Niagara University

Students from 14 high schools across WNY expand concept of leadership

Lewiston, New York (March 1,
2016) – Leadership Niagara will host a graduation event for its LYNC youth
leadership development program with over 250 students, parents, and volunteers at
6 p.m. at Niagara University’s Kiernan Center.

Students graduating
from Leadership Niagara’s LYNC program represent 14 high schools across Western
New York and have completed an eight month leadership development program to
help change their concept of leadership and 21st century skills. New
this year, the LYNC program carries three University credits through a new
partnership with Niagara University.

“Participants in the
LYNC program receive a highly-structured and yet open-ended opportunity to
collaborate together, to examine important institutions and programs across
Western New York,” stated Molly Anderson, president and chief executive officer
of Leadership Niagara. “Our students graduate with a deeper understanding of
our region and how to make a difference as young leaders.”

Niagara University
president, Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., will provide opening remarks at the
graduation event. Bernice Radle, Niagara Falls native, urban planner, and young
preservationist, will be honored by students at the event with the
“Transformational Leadership Award” for her commitment to advancing our region.
Student spokespersons will share their Pecha Kucha presentations during the
ceremony.

Leadership Niagara’s LYNC program
is an eight-month community leadership development program designed for high
school students. The program is made available to 100 students each year
through a multi-year grant from the Irene E. Witkowski Agrawal Foundation. Visit
www.leadershipniagara.org for more information.

Best-selling Author,
Courtroom Television Star Hatchett to Keynote

Leadership Niagara’s 26th
annual awards luncheon

Niagara Falls, New York – Leadership Niagara
announced national best-selling author and award-winning courtroom television
star, Judge Glenda Hatchett, will serve as keynote speaker at its 26th
annual Leader of the Year awards luncheon on April 27th at the
Conference & Event Center. Over 300 leaders from Western New York and
Southern Ontario will be in attendance at the event.

Judge Glenda A. Hatchett is a nationally
recognized advocate for juvenile and social issues, and known for her award
winning show, Judge Hatchett, and as best-selling author of Dare to Take
Charge: How to Live and Lead with Purpose. She served as a board member of
three Fortune 500 companies and was named among “100 of the Best and Brightest
in Corporate America” by Ebony magazine.

"Our annual Leader of the Year event is like no other
awards program,” stated Molly Anderson, president and chief executive officer
of Leadership Niagara. “You will leave inspired by a powerful message,
motivated to transform our communities, and connected to the people and
organizations who are successfully doing so.”

Five individuals and organizations will be
honored at the awards luncheon. They represent Leadership Niagara’s brand of
transformational leadership and exhibit the organization’s core values of
visionary leadership, excellence, regional partnerships, societal
responsibility, diversity and inclusion, and lifelong learning.

John H. Percy, president and
chief executive officer

Niagara Tourism and Convention
Corporation

Leader of the Year

The Riviera Theatre

Organization of the Year

Annemarie C. Bettino, MS, LN ’85, president

Youth Mentoring Services

Lifetime Commitment Award

Gay Molnar, LN ’97, executive
director

Aquarium of Niagara

Distinguished Alumna Award

Darius Myles, LN ’15, president
and chief executive officer

DMYLES Inc.

Emerging Leader Award

The Leader of the Year awards luncheon will be chaired by
two Leadership Niagara Class of 2015 alumni: Chris Marra, vice president and
senior branch manager at M&T Bank, and Susan Swiatkowski, director of
marketing at The Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls. To
register, visit www.leadershipniagara.org/events
or contact Molly Anderson at 716-949-3223.

To visit the website of Judge Hatchett, please visit www.Thehatchettfirm.com

Leadership Niagara Announces 2016 Honorees

NTCC President & CEO John H. Percy
named leader of the year

Niagara Falls, New York –
Leadership Niagara will host its 26th annual Leader of the Year awards luncheon on April
27th at the Conference & Event Center in Niagara Falls, New
York. Over 300 leaders from Western New
York and Southern Ontario will be in attendance at the event.

Five individuals and
organizations will be honored at the awards luncheon. They represent Leadership
Niagara’s brand of transformational leadership and exhibit the organization’s
core values of visionary leadership, excellence, regional partnerships,
societal responsibility, diversity and inclusion, and lifelong learning.

John H. Percy,
president and chief executive officer

Niagara Tourism and
Convention Corporation

Leader of the Year

The Riviera Theatre

Organization of the Year

Annemarie C. Bettino, MS, LN ’85, president

Youth Mentoring Services

Lifetime Commitment Award

Gay Molnar, LN ’97, executive director

Aquarium of Niagara

Distinguished Alumna Award

Darius Myles, LN ’15, president and chief executive officer

DMYLES Inc.

Emerging Leader Award

“Our annual Leader of the Year event has become a
time-honored tradition for our community,” stated Molly Anderson, president and
chief executive officer of Leadership Niagara. “We are pleased to name John H.
Percy as our organization’s 31st Leader of the Year. He was chosen for his
commitment to excellence and his contributions to tourism in our region.”

The
Leader of the Year awards luncheon will be chaired by two Leadership Niagara
Class of 2015 alumni: Chris Marra, vice president and senior branch manager at
M&T Bank, and Susan Swiatkowski, director of marketing at The Conference
& Event Center Niagara Falls. To
register for the event, visit www.leadershipniagara.org/events
or contact Molly Anderson at 716-949-3223.

Leadership Niagara, Niagara University Collaborate

Teaching students leadership, diversity, globalization, and citizenship in college level course

Niagara Falls, New York (January 20, 2016) – Leadership Niagara’s LYNC (Leadership for the Youth of Niagara Communities) program, now in its 15th year, is working with Niagara University to develop new components to help high school students across Western New York to change their concept of leadership and 21st century skills. Leadership Niagara’s eight month LYNC program is available to 100 students from fourteen local high schools each year through a multi-year grant from the Irene E. Witkowski Agrawal Foundation.

Participants in the LYNC program receive a highly-structured and yet open-ended opportunity to collaborate together, to examine important institutions and programs across Western New York, to analyze complex social trends and social problems in the nation and across the globe, and to investigate avenues for personal success in society, business and schooling. New this year, participants may extend their learning and participation in LYNC in a course taught by Dr. Paul Vermette of Niagara University. The course focuses on the issues of diversity and globalization, democratic citizenship, leadership in personal and organizational frameworks and individual development and carries three University credits.

“Given that all local and global interactions are more complex and diverse than ever before, effective citizenship, communication and leadership require the deeper understanding and sophisticated skills that formal education offers,” stated Vermette.

“Great things don’t happen overnight,” added Molly Anderson, president & chief executive officer of Leadership Niagara. “Providing college credit to our student leaders has been a culmination of several years of effort and many people who have served as mentors and advisors. Thank you to Niagara University and the Irene E. Witkowski Agrawal Foundation for their continued support.”

Leadership Niagara’s LYNC program is an eight-month community leadership development program designed for high school students. The program is sponsored by the Irene E. Witkowski Agrawal Foundation. Over 480 students from fourteen local high schools will have the opportunity to participate in the LYNC program. Visit www.leadershipniagara.org for more information.

Leadership Niagara, Michael Cardus Team Up in 2016

Expert in leadership and organizational development joins team

Niagara Falls, New York (January 4, 2016) – Leadership Niagara announced that Michael Cardus - an expert in leadership, organizational development and team building - will join Leadership Niagara’s 2016 team as principal consultant of the world class leadership development program.

Cardus is well known for his expertise in executive level training and facilitation. He has worked with local and global organizations including: US Air Force, McDonalds US Headquarters, Merck, General Motors, Toyota and M&T Bank, as well as academic organizations such as University of Rochester Simon School of Business and University at Buffalo School of Social Work.

“Our team and our programs will continue to grow and to attract top performers across Western New York who want to be better and do more,” stated Molly Anderson, president & chief executive officer of Leadership Niagara. "We will never become complacent when it comes to developing leaders.”

Leadership Niagara is a nationally recognized community leadership development program which attracts CEOs, PhDs, and executive level leaders to its annual program and works with over 100 industry and leadership experts across Niagara, Buffalo, and Southern Ontario.

“I’m excited to bring my energy and knowledge to make a great program a little better,” said Cardus. “I am honored to work with the team to support Leadership Niagara as an interactor, collaborator, disruptor, and facilitator of talent within our region.”

He replaces Leadership Niagara’s former principal consultant, Tim Widjaja who joined the IMC Pan Asia Alliance in Singapore.

Leadership Niagara Hosts 32nd Graduation Ceremony

Largest class in organization’s history takes place in our region’s resurgence

North Tonawanda, New York (December 10, 2015) – Leadership Niagara will honor 41 individuals and organizations at the 32nd annual graduation event onstage at the Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda at 6:00 p.m. on December 10th. Over 150 leaders from Western New York and Southern Ontario will be in attendance at the event, which will culminate the Class of 2015’s world class leadership development program.

Graduates of Leadership Niagara’s award winning and nationally recognized program have had the opportunity to learn and practice graduate level leadership concepts and principles and work with over 100 industry and leadership experts across Niagara, Buffalo, and Southern Ontario.

The event will feature an annual award presented by the graduating class to the top speaker, Joseph McMahon, President of Audubon Machinery Corporation, a graduate of Leadership Niagara’s class of 2012 and current member of the Leadership Niagara board of directors.

A second award will be presented for the first time to a member of Leadership Niagara’s regional youth program (LYNC). Receiving the “Rising Star” award is Lucas Kates, a high school senior from Niagara Academy, who left an indelible impression when he spoke to the class at their session on education and workforce development.

"We are developing better leaders for our region,” stated Molly Anderson, President & CEO of Leadership Niagara. “Our program lays the ground work for our graduates to think differently, make connections, and achieve more.”

Leadership Niagara Hosts 43North in
Niagara Falls

July 20, 2015

LN Summer Mixer brings together alumni and
friends

July 16, 2015

Leadership Niagara: 100 youth prepared to lead in their communities

by jmaloni

Submitted Tue, Mar 10th 2015 03:30 pm

Largest class ever to graduate from Leadership Niagara's LYNC program

Leadership Niagara will graduate 100 local students from its youth leadership development program, LYNC, at 6 p.m. tonight at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Niagara County's Training Center in Lockport.

Representing 13 Niagara County and Erie County high schools, Leadership Niagara student leaders have heard from industry experts and community leaders throughout the course of the eight-month program. They've received learning leadership development concepts and principles, and developed problem-solving, communication, diversity and inclusion, teamwork and collaboration skills. The LYNC students have had executive-level coaches and mentors to guide them through each month's session and through team projects.

As part of the graduation, students will receive their certificates and take what they learned to present solutions for problems that face their communities.

More than 250 students, parents, mentors and school representatives will be in attendance.

Leadership Niagara earned fully funded scholarships for 100 students per year to participate in the LYNC program through a grant made possible through the support of the Irene E. Witkowski Agrawal Foundation. In addition, over 60 volunteers, 12 organizations and 13 school coordinators helped make this year's program a success.

LN to Host Bill Strickland as Special Guest at Awards Luncheon

White House honoree, Community Leader, Author to headline event

Lewiston, New York – Leadership Niagara announced today that Bill Strickland will share his unshakeable message of leadership, self-worth and transformation as a special guest and keynote speaker at the 2015 Annual Awards Luncheon on Thursday, April 29 at 11:30 a.m. at the Niagara Falls Conference & Events Center.

Strickland is the president and CEO of the Manchester Bidwell Corporation, a jobs training center and community arts program. He and his staff work with corporations, community leaders, and schools to give disadvantaged kids and adults the opportunities they need to build a better future. Centers are already running in Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and San Francisco.

Strickland was named a member of The White House Council for Community Solutions by President Obama. He is also a recipient of The White House’s “Coming Up Taller” Award and the founder of the Grammy-winning MCG Jazz, the most successful jazz subscription series in America.

The keynote speaker is presented by LPCiminelli, The Grigg Lewis Foundation and The Baird Foundation. Attendees of the awards luncheon will receive a complimentary copy of Strickland’s book, Make the Impossible Possible.

As part of the annual awards luncheon, Leadership Niagara will recognize: Cathy Walker, president & CEO of Seneca Gaming Corporation, as leader of the year; Greater Lockport Development Corporation as organization of the year; Harry Francois, regional manager of Western New York at N.Y. Power Authority, as distinguished alumnus award; Tom Lowe, director of ReNU Niagara, as emerging leader award; and Merrell A. Lane as lifetime commitment award (posthumously).

David Karwick and Marsha Koelmel are serving as event co-chairs. For sponsorship opportunities and to reserve tickets for the luncheon, please contact Molly Anderson at (716) 949-3223.

About Leadership Niagara

Leadership Niagara is the longest-running community leadership development organization in New York State. Since 1984, more than 1,400 participants have graduated from the program. Visit www.leadershipniagara.org for more information.

Molly Anderson is a force for leadership development in our binational region. As executive director of Leadership Niagara, she transformed the 30 year old organization into the premier leadership development program in Western New York. It is a nationally award winning model for innovation and excellence, and one of the many reasons she is the 2015 recipient of the Father Joseph L. Levesque Award for Community Advocacy.

Molly’s passion for leadership began early in her career as program director of the American Management Association’s Operation Enterprise program. It was there she learned management and leadership principles from a worldwide faculty of CEOs which instilled in her the virtues of lifelong learning and best practices. For more than 25 years, Molly has served her community locally, nationally, and globally. She has supported numerous nonprofits as a board member including: Junior Achievement, Mount St. Joseph Academy, Buffalo Financial Plan Commission II, Buffalo Junior Chamber of Commerce, Hauptman Woodward Institute, and Shea’s Performing Arts Rising Stars. She was a charter member of the Buffalo Sunrise Rotary Club and charter member for the first charter school to open in Buffalo, King Center Charter School.

Molly was recently awarded the Michael Brundidge Community Service Award by the Main Street Business & Professional Association in Niagara Falls and the Association of Leadership Professionals “Excellence in Innovation” award. She was honored by Business First and Buffalo Public Schools with the “Pathfinder Award” for blazing a trail between business and education.

We will celebrate her accomplishments and others for excellence in business on Friday, February 27th at the Seneca Niagara Casino and Hotel Event Center. Honorees also include the Aquarium of Niagara. TREK will be given the Industry Insider Award. Seneca Niagara Gaming Corporation will be recognized with the National Grid Green Manufacturing Award. Lockport Ice Rink & Sports Center, Inc. will be given the Groundbreaking Award. Faisal Merani will be honored as Business Person of the Year and Yahoo! will be named Business of the Year.

The event begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception followed by a sit down dinner and award ceremony at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $120 per person for members. Reservations can be made by contacting Maria Cardamone at 285-9142 or email Maria.

Niagara USA
Chamber to Honor

Molly
Anderson at Annual Dinner

Molly Anderson, executive
director of Leadership Niagara, will receive the Father Joseph L. Levesque
Award for Community Advocacy during the Niagara USA Chamber Honors 2015 Annual
Dinner to celebrate "business excellence in the Niagara region" at
the Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel Event Center on Friday, February 27.

The 2015 Award Recipients
also include:

2015 Business of the
Year

Yahoo

2015 Business Person of
the Year

Faisal Merani

2015 Groundbreaking
Award

Lockport Ice Rink &
Sports Center

2015 Green Manufacturing
Award

Seneca Gaming Corporation

Industry Insider
Award

TREK

Special Recognition

Aquarium of Niagara
celebrating 50 years

The event is black tie
optional and begins with dinner
and a formal awards program to follow. For more information please contact [email protected].

LN Executive Director, Molly Anderson, spoke with Buffalo Business First

Anderson on leadership: ‘We’re attracting the kind of people who aren’t afraid to admit they want to be more effective’

Dec 22, 2014, 10:06am EST

Tracey Drury

Buffalo Business First Reporter- Buffalo Business First

What does it take to truly become a leader?

Climbing the corporate ladder to president or CEO doesn't necessarily make someone a leader. Molly Anderson, executive director of Leadership Niagara, spoke to Business First about what it takes to be a leader and how her organization helps participants get there.

What makes Leadership Niagara different when it comes to training future leaders?

They're learning about purpose and humility and the principles of great leadership. I think that's the difference between our program and other leadership programs. They all have great value, and when you get great people together you're going to get synergy. We want to take them to another level, because I think this community is in dire need of excellence.

We often think of leadership development organizations as feeders for boards of directors. But are they more than that?

This community, as you can see, is headed to a new era, and what we're seeing is a lot more innovation and understanding about how to transform organizations in the community. So we've spent a lot of time on those topics. We also spend time on collaboration, because there is this divide between counties and communities and between organizations. We put a lot of emphasis on collaboration and the effectiveness of that in the community.

Despite that county divide, we do see more and more nonprofit groups and even health care organizations who are willing to work together and come together on collaborations and partnerships, but not necessarily mergers. Your thoughts?

That's really been the mantra, and for us we're looking at it not only as a county but as a binational region. That's why it's so important that we work with Lead Niagara Ontario. Cross-border relationships start with organizations like ours at the grassroots level. Since the Canadian Consulate left, we may not have as much of those conversations as we once did, but we have 40 leaders in our class and they have 40 and it's just amazing the conversations they have together. I see that area growing for us. We had our first binational class this year, with three Canadians, including one driving in from Toronto. And our class that graduated this year also had a class member from Pennsylvania.

Why would someone from Pennsylvania come here to participate if they're not living nor working in Niagara County?

She practices law in Buffalo and a colleague of hers was in the program and recommended it. She was looking for relationship development. Leadership doesn't just mean public speaking or ice breakers. We are really looking at people who are transforming their organizations. We'll have our biggest class next year with 140, including 100 youth. That's 340 percent growth in two years. That's telling us we're doing something right. People leave our program saying "I'm a better husband, I'm a better leader, a better coworker." It just tells me it's more than just networking.

Have people who attended leadership programs in different counties also come to your class?

Last year we had two who came through Leadership Buffalo, and some of ours go through Leadership Buffalo after. That's powerful. That shows that leadership begins in our organization. It's where we need to demonstrate collaboration and some unity. We encourage that. Leadership, it's not a one-time deal. You can't participate in a program like ours, and we magically make you a leader. It's a journey, and we emphasize that leadership is something that needs to be practiced. We have a mentoring program too, which helps people stay on task for the future. That's helping people go further than they would have in another type of training program.

Do you see primarily younger people in your program, coming up in the ranks?

It's interesting in our organization. Leadership exists -- it's not about title or role or gender. We're looking for people who are transformational, people who want to rock the boat, who are really the changemakers in our organizations. And they can be 22 or 42. To us, it's not about that. We don't make any assumptions that because they have a title they're a leader. When everyone comes to us, whether it's the commander of the air base or a bank manager, they're there to get better, to be their best selves. We start with humility and knowing who you are. Sometimes leadership programs are called executive training programs, but we don't really use those words interchangeably. Leadership is something different. I've been told that in other leadership programs they don't need leadership development because they're already leaders, but to me that's hard to grasp.

We've all met people who are presidents or CEOs of an organization that don't have good communication skills, don't have good leadership skills or maybe the HR skills are lacking and their organization isn't going anywhere.

The one word that makes the difference in everything you just said is humility. You can be charismatic and not be a good leader. If you're charismatic and have humility, you can be a great leader. It's the difference of being self-aware and being self-centered. Really, it's hard to look in the mirror. I think we're truly attracting the kind of people who aren't afraid to admit they want to be more effective. They want to be better leaders and that it's about the greater good.

Leadership Niagara honors largest, first bi-national class

Class members, including Niagara region law enforcement officers, bankers, and many form area businesses and non-profits, successfully completing the organization’s 12-month leadership development program.

“Thirty years ago a group of visionaries created a plan for an organization they dreamed would have a great impact on WNY. Today over 1400 alumni, board members, class members, speakers, and mentors have been able to take that visionary plan for Leadership Niagara and deliver a world class and nationally award winning leadership development program which trains leaders to take on the work of transformation, innovation, and inspiration.” said Executive Director Molly Anderson.

The Class of 2014 is Leadership Niagara’s largest and first bi-national class, with members from Canada, Pennsylvania and Buffalo, including:

Christopher Aikin, Roswell Park Cancer Institute

Michele-Elise Burnett, Town of Niagara on the Lake War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee

Lori Caccamise, Niagara University

Megan Calero, 914th Airlift Wing

T. Michael Carter, Orleans Niagara BOCES

Ryan Coate, Conference & Event Center Niagara Falls

Julie Davis, Astronics Corporation

Johnny Destino, Orleans Niagara BOCES

Dan DiMillo, First Niagara Bank

Stephanie Donovan, Walsh Duffield Companies Inc.

Robert Drake, M&T Bank

Pamela Fekete, Niagara Tourism & Convention Corp

Andrea Gray, Community Missions

Richard Gunn, Calamar

Jodie Hodge, First Niagara Bank

Christian Hoffman, Community Missions

Sean Hudson, Niagara Falls Bridge Commission

Diane Koz, Stinson Developments

Tom Lowe, Niagara University ReNU Niagara

Heather Lyon, Enterprise Charter School

Amanda Machacek, Kenney Shelton Liptak Nowak LLP

Raymond McGovern, Covanta Energy

Maria Pelow, 107th Airlift Wing

Kelly Rizzo, Niagara Falls Police Department

Andrew Rodgers, 107th Airlift Wing

Robert Roskwitalkski, New York Power Authority

James Rossi, General Motors Component Holdings

Kate Sarata, The Service Collaborative of WNY, Inc.

J. Roger Shaft, General Motors Component Holdings

Susan Shaft, Literacy New York

Joseph Sikora, North Tonawanda Fire Department

Justin Sondel, Niagara Gazette

Meaghan Sowinski, First Niagara Bank

Kathleen Urban, Niagara Falls City School District

Kristin Vescio, Brylin

Jim Vigil, Niagara Falls First Assembly of God

Steven Woock, Niagara County Sheriff's Office

Christopher Woods, KeyBank

The hour-long ceremony featured congratulatory remarks from Eddie Friel of Niagara Global Tourism Institute, chosen by the Class of 2014 as a Top Speaker.

“Leadership Niagara’s Class of 2014 represents everything this organization and community aspires to be – diverse, binational, collaborative, intelligent, courageous, and compassionate. As the Niagara region heads toward a new era of possibility and opportunity, our graduates will be at the forefront,” added Molly Anderson.

Leadership Niagara honors largest, first bi-national class

North Tonawanda, New York– Leadership
Niagara has recognized 38 regional leaders at a graduation ceremony at the
historic Riviera Theatre for successfully completing the organization’s
twelve-month leadership development program.

“Thirty years ago a group of
visionaries created a plan for an organization they dreamed would have a great
impact on WNY. Today over 1400 alumni, board members, class members,
speakers, and mentors have been able to take that visionary plan for Leadership
Niagara and deliver a world class and nationally award winning leadership
development program which trains leaders to take on the work of transformation,
innovation, and inspiration.” said Executive Director Molly Anderson.

The Class of 2014 is Leadership
Niagara’s largest and first bi-national class, with members from Canada,
Pennsylvania and Buffalo, including:

Christopher Aikin, Roswell Park
Cancer Institute

Michele-Elise Burnett, Town of
Niagara on the Lake War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee

Lori Caccamise, Niagara
University

Megan Calero, 914th Airlift Wing

T. Michael Carter, Orleans
Niagara BOCES

Ryan Coate, Conference &
Event Center Niagara Falls

Julie Davis, Astronics
Corporation

Johnny Destino, Orleans Niagara
BOCES

Dan DiMillo, First Niagara Bank

Stephanie Donovan, Walsh
Duffield Companies Inc.

Robert Drake, M&T Bank

Pamela Fekete, Niagara Tourism
& Convention Corp

Andrea Gray, Community Missions

Richard Gunn, Calamar

Jodie Hodge, First Niagara Bank

Christian Hoffman, Community
Missions

Sean Hudson, Niagara Falls
Bridge Commission

Diane Koz, Stinson
Developments

Tom Lowe, Niagara University
ReNU Niagara

Heather Lyon, Enterprise Charter
School

Amanda Machacek, Kenney Shelton
Liptak Nowak LLP

Raymond McGovern, Covanta
Energy

Maria Pelow, 107th Airlift Wing

Kelly Rizzo, Niagara Falls
Police Department

Andrew Rodgers, 107th Airlift
Wing

Robert Roskwitalkski, New York
Power Authority

James Rossi, General Motors
Component Holdings

Kate Sarata, The Service
Collaborative of WNY, Inc.

J. Roger Shaft, General Motors
Component Holdings

Susan Shaft, Literacy New
York

Joseph Sikora, North Tonawanda
Fire Department

Justin Sondel, Niagara Gazette

Meaghan Sowinski, First Niagara
Bank

Kathleen Urban, Niagara Falls
City School
District

Kristin Vescio, Brylin

Jim Vigil, Niagara Falls First
Assembly of God

Steven Woock, Niagara County
Sheriff's Office

Christopher Woods, KeyBank

The hour-long ceremony featured
congratulatory remarks from Eddie Friel of Niagara Global Tourism Institute,
chosen by the Class of 2014 as a Top Speaker.

“Leadership Niagara’s Class of 2014
represents everything this organization and community aspires to be – diverse,
binational, collaborative, intelligent, courageous, and
compassionate. As the Niagara region heads toward a new era of
possibility and opportunity, our graduates will be at the forefront,” added
Molly Anderson.

Leadership Niagara is the longest
running community leadership development organization in New York State.
Since 1984, more than 1,400 participants have graduated from the program.
Leadership Niagara’s mission is to strengthen regional leadership. For
more information, visit www.leadershipniagara.org.

LYNC gives back to those in need at Community Missions, Inc.

Leadership Niagara's youth program known as LYNC, teamed up with Community Missions, Inc. on Giving Tuesday to give back to those that are in need. Students received an in-depth education on servant leadership and spent time decorating Community Missions, wrapping gifts, working in the soup kitchen, and helped to take in food donations that were delivered to the Mission.

WGRZ stopped by to see the progress that the LYNC students were making at Community Missions and the impact that this session had on their lives. Christian Hoffman, LN '14, Communications and Development Manager of Community Missions was also present, in addition to, Angela Berti, LN Board Member, Marketing and Public Affairs Coordinator for the NYS Office of Parks and Recreations.

Molly Anderson accepted the Michael A. Brundidge Community Service Award from the Main Street Business & Professional Association tonight at the annual awards dinner which was held at the Como Restaurant.

Leadership Niagara Establishing Offices at Niagara University

Leadership Niagara’s executive offices will be housed at Niagara University beginning this fall, thanks to a memorandum of understanding signed by the institutions Monday.

The Rev. James J. Maher, C.M., president of NU, and Molly Anderson, executive director of Leadership Niagara, signed the agreement that will provide Leadership Niagara with rent-free office space in Timon Hall.

“Niagara University and Leadership Niagara share a focus on lifelong education that develops future, impactful leaders,” said Father Maher. “With Niagara University poised to take on an even greater role in helping Western New York to realize its full social and economic potential, we feel that advancing this partnership is a positive step toward achieving that goal.”

Twenty-nine Niagara University employees have “graduated” from the Leadership Niagara program, with another two set to participate in 2015.

“We are two organizations that are committed to excellence. Together, we will have great synergy,” added Anderson. “Niagara University is the right place for us to call home and to further our mission to serve and strengthen our region.”

The Rev. Kevin G. Creagh, NU’s vice president for university mission and ministry, and Christine S. O’Hara, ’88, M.S.Ed.’06, executive director of alumni engagement, will serve as liaisons between the organizations. O’Hara completed the Leadership Niagara program in 1992 and currently sits on its board of directors.

Established in 1984, Leadership Niagara was the first organization of its kind in New York state. Launched by a group of visionary CEOs with help from the Niagara Gazette and a grant from the Gannett Foundation, Leadership Niagara brought together individuals to learn about issues and industries in Niagara County. Three decades later, LN still provides class members across the region with a high standard of leadership and organizational development to apply their learning.

In 2011, Niagara University launched a Ph.D. program in leadership and policy that is designed for working professionals who are interested in furthering their ability to generate new knowledge through research and advance study. The program offers an innovative and unique model in preparing leaders who can implement systemic change to further organizational and community goals. Candidates will enhance their capabilities in shaping, implementing and evaluating policy in international, cross-disciplinary and diverse contexts.

LN's impact personally and professionally were very similiar..it made me more attentive to what takes place in the professional world outside of the school walls in our community..It also provided opportunities to begin the development of interpersonal skills as well as work place strategies and skills that assisted in my ongoing development as a person and professional.

What was your most memorable moment(s) in the program?

Looking back at memorable moments..I would have to say it was during a group discussion we were having during lunch. There were about 10 of us, from all different professions..we were sharing insight from our work experience..at the end it was interesting how we commented on what a sense and much greater appreciation and understanding we had for the daily challenges and opportunities faced in our professions. It was an opportunity to walk in someone else's shoes for a few moments.

Describe LN in 3 words?

Insightful, connected, motivating

What do you have sitting on your book shelf?

My bookshelf, other than professional readings, you will find biographies of historical and athletic figures ..several golf books

Tell us something most people don't know about you.

I have been married for 24 years and although my wife and kids do not enjoy his music.. I am a big Willie Nelson fan from way back.. I have seen him perform numerous times from back at Melody Fair, to most recent, this past June at Artpark.

Pam Fekete, Chief Financial Officer, Niagara Tourism & Convention Corporation. Here is what she had to say about her experience with LN.

What year did you participate in Leadership Niagara?

2014

What company do you work for?

Niagara Tourism and Convention Corporation

What is your position?

CFO/ VP of Operations. My title has not changed since I started at NTCC. However, with many not for profits, responsibilities and duties are always evolving as the organization changes too.

How has LN impacted you personally or professionally?

LN has heightened both my community awareness and my self-awareness. I have often told my children "lead by example". LN is helping me to focus and try harder to act in that way.

What was your most memorable moment(s) in the program?

Too many to list or just pick one, I enjoyed helping with educating classmates on tourism economics in Niagara County but the calf being born was pretty memorable too, you never want to miss a session!

Describe LN in 3 words?

Provides innovative perspective!

What do you have sitting on your book shelf?

After the LN Agribusiness day and seeing a calf born, I want to re-read my James Herriott books; "All creatures great and small". A collection of true stories from an English country veterinarian with a focus on finding endearing and inspirational qualities in various people situations.

Any special professional accomplishments or awards that you would like to share with us?

Not yet..

Tell us something most people don't know about you.

I have never bought a premade Halloween costume from the store, much more fun to get creative and make clever, funny, silly costumes. However, my kids don't really appreciate this side of me!

Event set to draw attention to homelessness, poverty in Niagara County

By Teresa Sharp, Buffalo News

Monday, October 13, 2014

NIAGARA FALLS – What would it be like to brave the elements and spend the night on the streets in a cardboard box, without a place to call home?

Members of Leadership Niagara’s Class of 2014 will get a glimpse of the harsh conditions of homelessness overnight Friday at the Park Place Market, 630 Main St., in an effort to raise awareness of this issue and of poverty in general in Niagara County.

The program also is open to the public from 6 to 10 p.m., and all participants will take part in discussion groups and activities designed to encourage thought and action in addressing local poverty.

Speakers will include Niagara Falls Mayor Paul A. Dyster; the Rev. James J. Maher, president of Niagara University; Sam Magavern, co-director of the Partnership for the Public Good; David Taylor, associate professor of criminology and criminal justice at Niagara; and Sister Beth Brosmer, director of Heart, Love and Soul Food Pantry in Niagara Falls.

One in five individuals across Niagara County receives some sort of support, according to a December 2013 report from the John R. Oishei Foundation prepared by the University at Buffalo Regional Institute. In addition, 44 percent of Niagara Falls’ population is either living in poverty or struggling financially and at risk of slipping below the poverty line. Homelessness ranks among their greatest concerns, according to the report.

Christian Hoffman, a current Leadership Niagara participant, is helping coordinate the event. He is the communications and development manager at Community Missions in Niagara Falls, the largest shelter in the county, with 43 beds, including suites for families.

He said Community Missions provided “more than 11,000 nights of shelter for individuals last year and provided over 75,000 meals through our soup kitchen and food pantry.”

“We think this is a dialogue worth having and important to reach out to leaders from across the county,” Hoffman said. “This also is a fundraiser for Community Missions. We invited current and former members, as well as board members, to participate, and they will each donate $100 to stay the night.”

Additionally, donations of nonperishable food items and new or gently used clothing, as well as money, will be accepted at the event and a light dinner prepared by Community Missions cook Jimmie Walker will be available.

Magavern’s organization provides research and advocacy support to a wide array of partners throughout Erie and Niagara counties who share “a community-oriented vision of a revitalized Buffalo Niagara,” according to its website.

Magavern said he felt “experiential lessons” such as this one “help build people’s commitment to the issues.”

“If you want to be part of the solution – there are lots of opportunities,” Magavern said. “You can give your time as a volunteer, or donate money, or give support as an advocate. It really, really does help.”

Leadership Niagara was founded in 1984 as the only organization of its kind in the state, with a mission of strengthening regional leadership. While the organization is based in Niagara County, about half of this year’s class is from Buffalo, with others coming from Canada and Pennsylvania, according to Molly Anderson, the organization’s executive director.

She said the idea for Friday’s event “was completely class-driven.”

“I couldn’t be more pleased,” she said. “This is exactly what we want to see – the application of what they are learning about the community and about leadership development.”

Leadership Niagara members also will be assembling around 150 hygiene bags Friday to donate to the Community Missions’ Emergency Housing Shelter.

The shelter is looking for donations of hygiene items ranging from shampoos to dental care items and from toilet paper to deodorant.